Haskell-Luevano Group

We design and synthesize ligands based on small molecules, peptides and peptidomimetics. The synthetic strategies involve solid-phase peptide synthesis using automated, semi-automated, manual, and microwave synthesizers alongside multi-step organic synthesis. The lead identification and structure-activity studies generally use focused-library design or high throughput screening approaches.

The in vitro pharmacology of the compounds are established using functional bio-assays, binding, mutagenesis, and pharmacokinetic studies. These studies provide the structural basis for ligand binding and activation, discovery of novel allosteric sites distinct from the orthosteric site, and ligand-directed differential signaling and regulation of receptors 

The Haskell-Luevano laboratory uses in vivo models to examine how melanocortin-specific drugs and probes ligands affect metabolic diseases.

After a potential drug is created, in vivo studies are performed in order to help verify the safety and effectiveness of the drug.